an experiment in off-grid living

PV system :: the panels I

Things went relatively well. We were able to raise all six panels with no set backs.

We put blankets on edge of the roof and the pallet. The pallet was used as a step that a three panel assembly was set on and then leaned up against the roof. Then I climbed up and lifted the assembly up on to the roof. Dad then climbed up and we lifted the assembly on to the two cross rails and secured it. Tomorrow morning I’ll wire it in and find out if it works.

Bulletin Board

Updated 4.26.2017

New post! The Chest of Drawers are built! Now with Spring upon the U.P. I have a garden to prepare, wood to cut, and various out door actives to pursue with the family - which now Includes Felix, expanding our family to 3 kiddos. I'm working on a post for maple syrup, as well as the basement step project. Future projects include a repair to the entryway steps, bunk beds for the basement, and egress door for the basement.

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In 2009 I began to research solar energy as a viable and cost-effective source of power for my family's off-grid cabin. Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, five miles from the nearest blacktop road and over 3 miles from the power grid, our only option was to generate electricity on site. In Spring of 2010 the last wires were connected and the dream of a cabin using electricity not generated from an internal combustion engine was finally realized. The scope of this blog is to highlight the mistakes and successes that I encountered while designing and assembling the off-grid system.